Evaluation of HIV voluntary counselling and testing services in Egypt. Part 1: client satisfaction

HIV voluntary counselling and testing [VCT] services were launched in Egypt in 2005. A study of all functioning VCT centres in Egypt [7 mobile and 9 fixed] aimed to determine the profile of clients and their level of satisfaction to identify strengths and weaknesses in the service. In direct interviews with a sample of 928 clients, the main motive for seeking VCT was risky sexual behaviour [34.2%]. More females than males sought services because of partners' risky sexual behaviour. More than 90% of the clients were satisfied with the counselling service. Only 41.4% were willing to discuss the test results with their partners. Male sex, higher education level and attendance at fixed VCT centres were associated with higher satisfaction

Evaluation of HIV voluntary counselling and testing services in Egypt. Part 2: service providers' satisfaction

Voluntary counselling and testing [VCT] services are major components of HIV prevention and treatment efforts. A study in Egypt aimed to determine the satisfaction of service providers at VCTs to identify strengths and weaknesses in the service. Direct interviews with all 50 VCT team members and focus group discussions with 16 counsellors showed that the majority believed that they had received enough training [90%], but still 66% wanted further training. Only 50% reported receiving sufficient incentives. Problems that were highlighted included absence of a fixed job description, lack of administrative support, unclear working rules and regulations and lack of proper community awareness. Counsellors expressed the need for improving working environment to ensure privacy and confidentiality

Needs assessment and coping strategies of persons infected with HIV in Egypt

The aims of this study were to identify the psychosocial and health care needs of persons living with HIV/AIDS and to determine their coping strategies. The study was conducted in 3 governorates of Egypt on 153 people infected with HIV. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire and in-depth interviews. The majority of the people had been forced to change the pattern of their sexual behaviour. Fear of stigmatization and feelings of anxiety, hopelessness and depression were frequently reported, resulting in a negative psychosocial impact on the infected person. Decreasing stigma and providing psycho-social support would help people living with HIV/AIDS to utilize effective ways of coping with the negative sequelae of the infection

Risk perception and precautions taken by health care workers for HIV infection in haemodialysis units in Egypt

A cross - sectional study was made in 32 haemodialysis units in the Nile delta, Egypt to evaluate knowledge and practices towards risk of HIV infection by 317 health care workers. Exposure to injury was reported by 48.6% in the previous year. Significantly more workers in government units needle-stick than in private units had good knowledge of bloodborne infections, universal blood precautions and safe disposal of contaminated items, and recognized asymptomatic HIV patients as a risk. Previous training, but not years of experience, influenced knowledge. Despite good knowledge, the performance of health workers was poor for universal blood precautions, and was worse in private haemodialysis units

Condom use among males [15-49 years] in Lower Egypt: knowledge, attitudes and patterns of use

We conducted a cross-sectional study on a randomly selected sample of 2304 males aged 15-49 years from 4 governorates in Lower Egypt to assess their condom use and knowledge and attitudes towards condom use. Condoms were considered an effective method of contraception and prevention of transmission of sexually transmitted infections [STIs] by 60.5% and 60.0% respectively. Only 23.9% had ever used condoms, mainly for contraception, but 26.8% would consider using them in the future. A quarter reported knowing how to use condoms properly. Obstacles to condom use included perceived lack of need [75.7%], rejection by partner [57.6%] and hazards of condoms [31.9%]. The majority knew about HIV/AIDS [90.8%] but a few felt at risk of STIs [11.2%] or HIV infection [10.3%]